Florida State defensive end signee upgraded to five-star recruit

One of Florida State's newest additions has cemented his status as a top prospect in the 2025 class.
Tylon Lee/IG

Florida State finished off the Early Signing Period with a bang, flipping prospects from multiple programs in December such as defensive end Tylon Lee (Ole Miss), running back Ousmane Kromah (Georgia), wide receiver Jayvan Boggs (UCF), and offensive lineman Sean Poret (USF), wide receiver Tae'Shaun Gelsey (Florida), and cornerback Shamar Arnoux (Auburn). The Seminoles have added plenty of talent to the roster and they're getting some late love for the haul.

In the final rankings update for the 2025 class, On3 Sports upgraded Lee to a five-star prospect after he rose nearly 50 spots. He's a prospect that the recruiting service is higher on than other sites, and for good reason.

Tylon Lee
Tylon Lee (6) and Jackson Ward (42) sack quarterback John Nicholas (9) during the Pace vs West Florida football game at West Florida High School in Pensacola on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. / Gregg Pachkowski / gregg@pnj.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lee put together a dominant senior campaign at Pace High School, totaling 87 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and three pass deflections. He recorded four or more tackles for loss seven times, including a season-high nine tackles and six tackles for loss in a win over Andalusia High School on September 20.

READ MORE: Top quarterback Brady Smigiel, Father reveal why he decommitted from Florida State

The Florida native competed in a lower level of competition during his prep career but he's got the frame and physicality to develop into something special at the college level. Lee is already enrolled at Florida State and going through offseason workouts and spring practice with the program. Depending on how quickly he acclimates to the program, it wouldn't be a surprise if he earns snaps in the fall.

Tylon Lee
Tylon Lee signs to play football at Florida State University during National Signing Day at Pace High School on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. / Gregg Pachkowski / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lee already has impressive size for a true freshman, standing at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds. It'll be interesting to see what defensive line coach Terrance Knighton can mold him into over the next couple of seasons. Funnily enough, he was committed to UCF when Gus Malzahn was the head coach of the program. Now the two will get to work together, albeit on different sides of the ball, in garnet and gold.

He will wear No. 96 during his first season at Florida State.

Who Is Committed To FSU In The 2026 Class?

Four-Star WR Efrem White

Four-Star WR Darryon Williams

Four-Star DB Darryl Bell III

Four-Star RB Amari Clemons

Three-Star DB Tedarius Hughes

Three-Star OL Xavier Payne

Who Does Florida State Have At Defensive End For The 2025 Season?

Redshirt Senior Jaden Jones

Redshirt Senior Deamontae Diggs

Redshirt Junior James Williams

Redshirt Junior Deante McCray

Redshirt Junior Aaron Hester

Redshirt Sophomore Grant Fielder

True Freshman Tylon Lee

True Freshman LaJesse Harrold

True Freshman Mandrell Desir

True Freshman Darryll Desir


READ MORE: four-star 6-foot-9 offensive tackle Chastan Brown commits to Florida State

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Dustin Lewis
DUSTIN LEWIS

Lewis joined NoleGameday in 2016 and is currently in the role of Editor-In-Chief. A graduate of Florida State, Lewis contributes to football, recruiting, and basketball coverage. Connect with Dustin on Twitter at @DustinLewisNG.